Use ofAntivirotics in the Prevention and Treatment oflnfluenza

Overview

Influenza is an acute respiratory disease most frequently produced by the influenza virus type A or B. Only since 1993 in the Czech Republic specific treatment and chemoprophylaxis by an antivirotic of the lst generation (amantadin) is available which however due to its shortcomings is not widely used by physicians. The appearance of a new generation of antivirotics - neuraminidase inhibitors (zanamivir, oseltamivir) could mean a new breakthrough as regards views on using antivirotics for the treatment and prevention of influenza. By their action - inhibition of the action of the surface antigen of the influenza virus (neuraminidase) these preparations prevent the penetration of viruses from infected epithelial cells of the airways and prevent thus further spread of the infection and development of the disease. In the CR since September 2000 only on second generation antivirotic is registered - zanamivir. Antivirotics can be used for chemoprophylaxis of influenza in several specific cases. When immunization is contraindicated, during epidemcs, and they are irreplaceable during pandemics. The use of antivirotics in the treatment of influenza is associated with rapid or expressive diagnosis of influenza. Some of these methods can be used even nowadays in the surgery of the general practitioner. Despite the development in the treatment and prevention of influenza, antivirotics have certain limitations and shortcomings. As regards prevention of influenza prophylactic administration of antivirotics cannot replace immunization.

Key words:
influenza - antivirootks - prevention - treatment.